LCU Education Alumni Recognized as Top of Their Profession

By Elizabeth Clarke

Nineteen Rapides Parish School District teachers who have been recognized as this year’s educators of the year all earned their credentials at Louisiana Christian University.

“I celebrate along with the community these amazing educators’ hard work, investment, and dedication to the children of Rapides Parish,” said Dr. Christy Warren, interim dean School of Education.

Glenmora High School Teacher of the Year Tracy Stokes has been teaching for 7 years.

She said her classroom management skills she learned going through LCU’s program are top-notch and very effective in dealing with many different types of students.

Michelle Hay, Alma Redwine Elementary’s Teacher of the Year for the school and the district, has been an educator for 16 years.

Hay said the personal attention given through LCU’s program really benefitted her.

“LCU prepared me for my teaching career by giving me a different perspective,” she said.

A more recent LCU graduate, Whitney Williams, was recognized as the Acadian Elementary New Teacher of the Year.

She credits the tough love of Dr. Christy Warren and the entire faculty and staff of the School of Education with her achievement.

“My professors believed in me whenever it was hard to believe in myself, and they gave me a push to not give up on teaching,” Williams said.

Seasoned teacher Penny Nugent Luttrull was recognized as H.R. Lawrence’s Teacher of the Year. Luttrull is completing her 32nd year of teaching special education.

While the professors have all changed since Luttrull first entered her classes at LCU in 1986, the same inspiration and encouragement remains.

“I felt very well prepared for the teaching profession,” Luttrull said. “Every faculty member was fully invested in student success but also knew the importance of nurturing and developing the whole person.”

She teaches students who have a myriad of special challenges, and she said her faith really drives her teaching.

“As a special education teacher, I have worked with many students over the years, and I strive each day to see the students as Jesus sees them, loving them unconditionally,” Luttrull said. “The joy and sense of pride the students exude when they have mastered a skill still excites me. My prayer is that my students leave me knowing they were loved and valued.”

Brame Middle School Teacher of the Year Virginia Cope Laborde has been teaching ever since she graduated LCU in 2014. The best thing about the program for her was the professional development opportunities available in the summer.

“I was prepared with knowledge of the new Common Core Standards before those were in place, which was a bonus to my first employer,” Laborde said. “LCU’s program allows you to complete the program while still being able to teach in a classroom setting. You can still be a parent, a teacher, a spouse, and go to school to fulfill your certification.”

Victory Lindo-Lemons, assistant professor of education, said she is inspired to see the abundance of educators of the year in Rapides Parish who have come through the program at LCU.

“This is a testament to the quality education and training that Louisiana Christian University provides for its students,” LindoLemons said. “The dedication and hard work of the teachers who have graduated from our university is evident. As someone who has also graduated from Louisiana Christian University and received teacher of the year in the public school system, I personally attest to the value of the education and preparation that I received at the university. I am proud to be part of this community and I believe that LCU plays a vital role in developing the next generation of teachers in the state of Louisiana.”

For more information about an undergraduate education degree, alternative certification, or graduate programs— Master of Arts in Teacher or Master of Education, please visit lcuniversity.edu/education.

by Elizabeth Clarke

Dr. Frank B. Ashley III delivered a nostalgic and encouraging keynote address during Louisiana Christian University’s 168th Commencement Exercises.

“I hate to tell you but earning this degree is only the beginning,” Ashley told the graduates not to be discouraged by that. “I know that sounds disappointing, but anything is possible if you are willing to just keep on learning.”

Graduates of December 2022, May 2023 and August 2023 participated in the ceremony.

“After I received my bachelor’s here, graduating ‘thank you, laude,’ I didn’t think I’d ever set foot on a university campus,” Ashley said. “Neither did some of your professors.”

Ashley earned his bachelor’s degree from LCU in Health,

Physical Education and Safety. He went on to earn his master’s and doctorate from the University of Alabama.

Ashley, a 1999 LCU distinguished alumnus, has served in numerous administrative positions at Texas A&M in addition to being a senior professor. He oversees graduate education and research activities, as well as strategic planning, faculty affairs, student affairs, program development, diversity, assessment, communications and external relations, student services, and extended education programs in the Bush School.

He currently serves as the executive associate dean of Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service.

Ashley left graduates with a call to action.

“LCU has provided you with the tools you need,” he said. “So, Wildcats, go and take on the world. Go out and impact the lives that you touch. This is how our faith calls us to live our lives.”

LCU awarded diplomas to 259 students this year; 182 received bachelor’s or associate degrees while 77 received master’s degrees. Included in this group were the first graduates of the Jonathan E. Martin MBA program.

President Dr. Rick Brewer welcomed everyone and spoke to the graduates.

“Since 2018, LCU students have been through a tornado on campus, two hurricanes and an ice storm—and then the pandemic,” Brewer said. “You all deserve an ‘A’ in persistence and tenacity.”

During the ceremony, Ashley and Dr. Maggie Martin, of Alexandria, were awarded honorary doctorates.

Brewer remarked on both of their lives of service and the lives they have impacted.

Martin was recognized for her many years of distinguished support and service to the university and the community. The Jonathan E. Martin MBA program, named for her late husband, is a testament to the Martins’ contributions to the business community.

Several outstanding graduates spoke during the commencement exercises, as well.

Caleb Howe, who followed in the footsteps of several family members in attending LCU, said his time in Pineville allowed him to grow closer to God and develop lasting friendships.

Like Howe, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in education: biology concentration, Ashley Martin said attending LCU was not a difficult decision, as her parents met as teenagers on campus.

“Every moment at LCU has affirmed this is where I was supposed to be,” said the magna cum laude missions and ministries graduate.

Lady Wildcat basketball stand-out Miya McKinney, a criminal justice graduate, was recognized by Brewer during the ceremony as the Red River Athletic Conference women’s basketball player of the year.

McKinney teared up as she told the audience she was the first person in her family to ever graduate from college, and she recognized the impact her late grandmother and godfather had on her journey.

“Coming to LCU was a testimony all by itself,” she said. “My life was transformed here. I allowed God to take control of my life, and I’ve been blessed.”

Student Government Association President Shelby Cumpton, who graduated with a degree in history and a minor in political science, encouraged her fellow graduates to

With great sorrow, Louisiana Christian University announces the death of longtime faculty member Tim Roper, who died after an extended illness following surgery a year ago.

Roper was a professor of art for 18 years at LCU, teaching painting and drawing, and graphic and web design. He held a BFA from Louisiana College (now LCU) and a MFA from Louisiana State University.

“Professor Tim Roper was a beloved member of the University’s faculty,” said President Rick Brewer. “His expertise in Graphic Design and Studio Art equipped and inspired scores of students during his tenure at LCU. Tim’s quick wit and brilliant intellect will be missed; but, above all, his commitment to sharing the Gospel through his creative gifts will be his legacy for generations who had the distinct privilege of being under his tutelage.”

LCU Director of Marketing Karen Carter, who was a student of Roper’s, earned her BFA in Visual Communication in 2014.

“Tim Roper was more than a professor turned coworker; he was a mentor and friend,” Carter said. “I would not be the artist I am today without his guidance. His witty sense of humor and calming demeanor will be greatly missed. I am incredibly sad he is gone, but I rejoice knowing he is in Heaven painting at the feet of Jesus!”

Wangling Chou, LCU art professor who specializes in ceramics, met Roper when she came to work at LCU in 2008, and the two became the best of friends teaching in the Weathersby Fine Arts Building together. She watched his children grow up.

“Tim and I were not only colleagues, we became buddies,” Chou said. “We could talk about everything from teaching, art, family to God. He was such a trustworthy friend and was never judgmental. One thing I know very well is that Tim loved

By Elizabeth Clarke

and cared about all his students. I feel it was God’s special plan that we were born in the same year and month, I came all the way from Taiwan, and we instilled and invested in the same students together for 14 years. All those memories are God’s gift to me. I will miss him forever.”

Currently, Roper’s older son Nathan is a junior in public relations at LCU. His younger son Matthew is a senior at Bolton High School. He also leaves behind his wife, Mindy.

“He was the most wonderful man I’ve ever known, and he will live on through myself and my brother, Matthew.” Nathan Roper said.

“He gave me confidence and strength. He is my reason why. I am forever grateful for every moment I had with him. He brought love and faith with him wherever he went, and I am proud and honored to say that I will always identify first as Tim Roper’s son,

LCU junior art major Sam Miller remembers the last time Roper texted her before his November 2021 surgery. Roper was not just her professor but a mentor to her inside and outside the classroom.

“He texted me, ‘You guys [referring to his [students] are where my heart is, you know,’ and that will forever be the words that stick with me when I

“Tim’s sense of humor, wit, and graphic designs have left an indelible mark on every aspect of our campus. Tim lived out his faith every day and we have assurance he is now in the presence of His Savior for all eternity.”